Response from CAFOD director Chris Bain to leaked DFID documents on future allocation of aid

CAFOD director Chris Bain comments on recent news of leaked aid documents, and urges that aid must be used to reduce poverty where needs are greatest.

Chris Bain, CAFOD Director [Fiona Callister]

A Guardian newspaper report (Protests as UK security put at heart of aid policy 29 August 2010) has stated that the government plans to introduce a wholesale change to Britain's overseas aid budget, by demanding that projects in the developing world must make the "maximum possible contribution" to British national security, according to documents leaked from the Department for International Development.

Such a discovery is deeply concerning. DFID was established with a remit to reduce global poverty and has built up a stellar international reputation in this area. The suggestion that UK security interests should be given priority when allocating aid puts this hard-won reputation at risk.

Last week the secretary of state, Andrew Mitchell, gave assurances that there would be comprehensive consultation about the future direction of development policy. These documents seem to suggest to some extent this direction has already been set. We urge him to immediately clarify the purpose of these documents and reassure the public that aid will continue to be used to reduce poverty where the needs are greatest. Reducing global poverty will contribute more to long-term stability than focusing on short-term security interests.

Chris Bain

Director

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